A New Zealand bar manager and two Burmese men have gone on trial for insulting Buddhism, with Buddhist monks and supporters of "969" gathered outside the courthouse.
Philip Blackwood and two of his business partners who run the VGastro Bar, posted a flyer on their Facebook page advertising for their bar, showing Buddha with his eyes shut, wearing large headphones.
The picture was soon removed and the management apologised, stating their intent was "was never to cause offence to anyone or toward any religious group".
The bar was shut down last week and the men arrested under the Religion Act, under which anyone can be charged with attempts to insult, destroy or damage any religion to a maximum of two years in jail and a further two year sentence for insulting religion through the written word.
At least 20 monks gathered outside the Bahan Township courthouse, whilst several other supporters joined them, clad in t-shirts bearing the “969” logo of the controversial Buddhist organisation.
See our earlier post: Burmese court detains 3 men for posting online flyer depicting Buddha (11 Dec 2014)
Philip Blackwood and two of his business partners who run the VGastro Bar, posted a flyer on their Facebook page advertising for their bar, showing Buddha with his eyes shut, wearing large headphones.
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The picture was soon removed and the management apologised, stating their intent was "was never to cause offence to anyone or toward any religious group".
The bar was shut down last week and the men arrested under the Religion Act, under which anyone can be charged with attempts to insult, destroy or damage any religion to a maximum of two years in jail and a further two year sentence for insulting religion through the written word.
At least 20 monks gathered outside the Bahan Township courthouse, whilst several other supporters joined them, clad in t-shirts bearing the “969” logo of the controversial Buddhist organisation.
See our earlier post: Burmese court detains 3 men for posting online flyer depicting Buddha (11 Dec 2014)